Veteran defensive end John Copeland, cut in April, agreed to a two-year deal with the Bengals at a big pay cut.

        Copeland, the Bengals' No.1 draft pick in 1993, was released two days after the team used this year's No.4 overall pick on defensive end Justin Smith from Missouri.

        The Bengals, who didn't want to pay Copeland the $4.7 million he was due over the next two seasons, now are believed to be paying him about $1.2 million over the next two years.

        “John wanted to be here,” said Tim McGee, his agent and a former Bengals receiver. “We had other offers, but he values his relationship with (head coach) Dick (LeBeau) and (defensive line coach Tim) Krumrie.”

        Copeland started all 16 games last season, splitting time between his best position — end — and defensive tackle. He had one sack and 39 tackles.

        Copeland is expected to add veteran depth.

        “John feels like he played on one leg and out of position last season,” McGee said. “He's looking forward to being healthy.”

Few seat holders oppose deal DAUGHERTY: Bengals take customers for a ride Scott still no-show at Bengals' workouts Copeland returns at big pay cut

Dunn gives Reds McGwire-sized hope for future
Hill: 'I still can pitch'
Cubs 3, Reds 0
Bell hit in head by line drive
Cubs' Lieber makes it look easy
Wells to Reds? Forget it
Prodigy, pitching propel Cards
Reds-Cardinals Scouting Report
Reds box, runs
UC's Peek wins student-athlete award
Xavier likely to save last two scholarships
Fultz fails to make Winston Cup race
Pitching pushes CCD
Hitting lifts Mariemont
Regional baseball schedule
State tennis tourney begins today
Hamilton squeaks into softball final
Softball schedule
Regional track highlights
Boys lacrosse results
Boys volleyball schedule
N.Ky. baseball highlights
N.Ky. baseball schedule
N.Ky. boys track preview
N.Ky. girls track preview
N.Ky. track results
N.Ky. softball highlights
N.Ky. softball schedule

• Return to Bengals front page...